For over 10 years, the downtown waterfront known as Fan Pier in Boston, has evolved into a bridge between the downtown business district and an exciting hub for entertainment and dining. The new, thriving neighborhood is home to global corporations like Vertex and several new start-ups like Masschallenge, creating more infrastructure in the area now known as the Innovation District. Fan Pier includes over 3 million sf of public space, including a marina, restaurants, entertainment venues and nearby access to the 516,000-sf Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

Within the next year, the district will add eight office buildings with space for private residences, retail stores and hotel space. A public park and waterfront walking paths will also be added to the waterfront.

Popular venues include the Institute of Contemporary Art, a 75 year old venue that combines stunning works of art with breathtaking views of Boston’s harbor and skyline. F&B services include exclusive use of Wolfgang Puck Catering. Combine the Wolfgang Pack Cafe with the Putnam Investments Plaza venue for group receptions of 400 pax. Since 2000, the institute started a private art collection combined with the rotating exhibitions that are featured for months at a time.

After enjoying some of the extreme sailing on the harbor, cliff diving or enjoying a concert at the Bank of America Pavilion, chow down at some of the waterfront’s best restaurants, including the 600-seat Empire Restaurant & Lounge. The Asian-inspired menu includes sushi rolls, dumplings, specialty cocktails and tappanyaki. Choose the lounge or private dining room for 240 pax. Other options include, Legal Seafood Harborside, Temazcal tequila bar or Strega Waterfront, serving contemporary Italian in with indoor/outdoor seating.

Hotel options include the The Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, a 793-room hotel located only three miles from Boston Logan International Airport. The hotel is directly connected to the convention center, but also offers 72,000 sf of meeting space onsite.

Other options include the 450-room Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel, boasting 20,736 sf of meeting space and sprawling views of the downtown harbor. The award winning 424-room InterContinental Boston includes 32,000 sf of meeting space and is within walking distance of famous Boston attractions like the Boston Tea Party Museum and Freedom Trail.